Michaelmas Cay

Overview

Michaelmas Cay is a small, vegetated sand cay located in the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland. It is known for its significant seabird nesting area and is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.

Michaelmas Cay is one of the most important seabird nesting sites in the Great Barrier Reef. It is home to over 60,000 birds, including terns, noddies, and boobies.

Island Wildlife Marine Life

Location

Address

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Neighborhood: Great Barrier Reef

Coordinates

-16.916700, 145.766700

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$150 (tour price)

Children

$90 (tour price)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

June-September

Best Time of Day

Early morning

calm waters, fewer boats

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4 hours

Full Experience

8 hours (day trip)

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm, humid

• Seabird nesting
• Warmer waters

summer

Hot, humid, wet

• Longer daylight hours

autumn

Warm, dry

• Seabird migration

winter

Mild, dry

• Calm seas, high visibility

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book a tour
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Check weather conditions

What to Bring

essential

ID Swimwear Towel Reef-safe sunscreen

seasonal

Wetsuit Rain jacket

not allowed

Single-use plastics Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (snorkeling, swimming)

• Sun exposure
• Marine life precautions

Medical facilities: First aid available on tours

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit cards, Cash (AUD)

Currency

AUD

Typical Costs

tour $150

equipment rental $30

food $20

souvenirs $15

Dress Code

Casual, swimwear acceptable, Comfortable, quick-dry clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, Reef-safe sandals or booties, Inappropriate clothing, Glass containers

Booking Tips

• 4 weeks
• Tour operator website
• 48 hours
• N/A (tour-based)

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Great Barrier Reef App

Size: 100 MB

Features: Tour booking, Map, Marine life guide

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Tour boats

Charging Stations: Tour boats

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Cairns Airport

Distance: 10 km

Travel Time: 15 minutes

taxi

$30 15 min

public_transport

$3 25 min

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

walking

30 min

bike

10 min

taxi

$10 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique wildlife, beautiful snorkeling spots

Historical Significance: Important seabird nesting site

Insider Tips

Early morning tours have fewer people
Best snorkeling spots are further out

Local Recommendations

• Try local seafood
• Ask tour guides for tips

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello G'day

thank_you Ta

where_is Where's

how_much How much?

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Mandarin, Japanese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Beach area

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Wide shots of the beach and birds

Result: Stunning landscapes

#GreatBarrierReef #MichaelmasCay #Snorkeling

Photography Rules

allowed areas Beach area, snorkeling areas

prohibited areas Bird nesting areas

flash photography Not allowed (disturbs birds)

commercial photography Permit needed

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Restricted (only in designated areas)

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Green Island

Distance: 20 km

Walking: N/A

Type: Island

Fitzroy Island

Distance: 30 km